Statements

From Ukraine to the Middle East – Combating of Violation of International Law everywhere 

Turkey launched another large-scale military offensive in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on the evening of 17 April. Attacks on northern Syria also continue. 

Turkey claims that its attacks are directed against the PKK. The occupation of Syrian territory in particular reveals the true character of its expansive foreign policy which in reality is anti-Kurdish. By taking the attention away from the country’s economic decline the AKP-MHP coalition under President Erdoğan try to make up for the population’s growing dissatisfaction with their policy. Erdoğan is trying to distinguish and position himself against the backdrop of geostrategic interests both of his own country and of NATO, Ukraine and Russia. 

In the context of the military offensive, reference should also be made to the US human rights report, which states that Turkey accepts the death of civilians in the fight against the PKK. 
Criticism from the international community is not to be expected. In the past, too, silence prevailed in the context of the NATO partner’s violence of international law. The maximum reaction was the expression of concern. 
The war in Ukraine is both a reminder and a call to outlaw and combat war crimes and violations of international law immediately and everywhere. 

We strongly condemn Turkey’s cross-border military offensive. The international community is called upon to take a clear stand on the side of international law in this war as well and to impose appropriate sanctions immediately. 

EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the prominent Anglican church leader, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1984), and guardian of humanity, died at Christmas. The whole world mourns him who from a young age has tirelessly served the world, human rights, and human dignity. Desmond Tutu appeared on the world stage when he fought against the apartheid regime in South Africa – never with weapons, but with a tireless call for dialogue and reconciliation. He became Nelson Mandela’s close friend and ally, even though they did not always agree on how to resolve political conflicts. However, as the president of the free South Africa Mandela appointed Tutu to be the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) seen by many as a crucial component of the transition to full and free democracy in South Africa.

Desmond Tutu was direct with those he had something unspoken with, did not hide what he meant, it was never about who he talked to, but about what he had to say. He enjoyed talking freely with people on the street, as he also did in front of world leaders – this made him both loved and feared. Desmond Tutu became a true friend and supporter of the Kurdish people. He was the first patron of the EUTCC and in 2012, Desmond Tutu issued an international call for the Resumption of Dialogue where he urged Turkey to resume the peace talks with the Kurds and the imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan for a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish question in Turkey. The petition was signed by former heads of state and prominent figures like His Holiness Dalai Lama, Jimmy Carter, Jose Ramos-Horta, Gerry Adams and Kjell Magne Bondevik.

Desmond Tutu showed a boundless understanding and solidarity with people in the middle of the struggle because he had stood there himself. On the other hand, he showed no understanding for heads of state who were indifferent in the encounter with the world’s problems and political conflicts, or who failed to speak out when injustice was committed. For him, it meant lining up with the enemy. For the Kurds, who are still silenced by the international community, Desmond Tutu put peace on the agenda and became a mouthpiece for resumption of dialogue and peace talks.For the EUTCC Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will forever be remembered as a bauta in the service of humanity and a faithful supporter of the Kurdish cause on the world agenda.

His boundless love for those who suffered under oppressive regimes, such as the Kurds, is a reminder never to give up on change for a better society for all.The EUTCC will remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu with joy and gratitude and in his memory, there is hope and future optimism. Although the Kurds in many ways still face closed doors internationally, Desmond Tutu has managed to open some of them slightly.

We light peace over Desmond Tutu’s memory!

On behalf of the EUTCC boardKariane WestrheimChairpersonDersim DagdevirenBoard member

EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission

Press Release1 June 2021For immediate release 

The Turkish army offensive on the territory of the Kurdistan Regional Government

40 days ago, the Turkish Armed Forces launched another large-scale military offensive against the territory of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) – Iraq. Turkey’s military attacks represent a breach of the country’s sovereignty and can only be described as an occupation of KRG-Iraq. Since the 1990s, there have been repeated cross-border attacks by the Turkish army. In the meantime, Turkey has established 47 military bases in the region. 

In the wake of these attacks several villages have been looted and destroyed, leaving behind hundreds of dead civilians, while thousands have fled the catastrophic attacks or have been displaced from their hometowns.   
Considering Turkey’s aggressive expansionist policy in the region, the interventions in northern Syria must not go unmentioned and unconsidered. With its policy, Turkey is a central factor and actor of instability in the Middle East. 

As EUTCC, we strongly condemn this military offensive and occupation, which is contrary to international law. 

However, we would especially like to express our disappointment that these military activities of Turkey, which clearly violate international law, are silently accepted by the European institutions. The EU, which is committed to international law, must introduce any sanctions, especially those concerning the military sector and those responsible, and immediately put an end to Turkey’s aggressive war policies in Kurdistan.

Prof. Kariane Westrheim EUTCC Chairperson 
Dersim Dağdeviren EUTCC Board member  

EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission

Dear Sir or Madam,

The first hearing of the Kobanê Case will be held on April 26 at Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court. 108 people, 28 of whom are currently behind bars including the former HDP Co-Chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksedağ will be tried within the scope of the law suit. 

Issued by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the 3,530-page indictment demands aggravated life sentence and hundreds of years in prison for the 108 people on charges of “disturbing the unity of the state and integrity of the country” and “murder” for 37 times.
When ISIS attacked the northern Syrian town of Kobane in 2014, there were massive protests in Turkey against the AKP government, as it did not end its support for ISIS. 37 people were killed as a result of attacks by Turkish security forces. The HDP is held responsible for the protests.

Against the backdrop of the ban proceedings against the HDP, solidarity is all the more important.

We call for solidarity with Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on April 26
– By replacing your profile picture with the logo of HDP (see attachment)
– By writing the hashtag #SolidarityWithHDP after your profile name 

We are looking forward to your participation. 
Kind regards 

Prof. Kariane Westrheim EUTCC Chairperson 
Dersim Dağdeviren Board member 

EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission

Dear Mr. President,
The EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) sent a letter to you in December 2020 to draw attention to the serious irregularities in Turkey regarding democratic principles, the rule of law and international law. The European institutions, including you as President of the European Council, had repeatedly expressed concerns about this.
A few weeks ago, hope raised up in Europe when Erdogan announced a human rights action plan. However, the past few days have shown that Turkey has turned its back on the mentioned principles: Please allow us to mention some examples of these irregularities: Despite allegations that Kurdish political leader Abdullah Ocalan has died in Imrali prison, his lawyers and family are still denied visits even if Mr. Ocalan’s solitary confinement has always been criticized by the CPT. Further, the HDP MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu has recently been stripped of his mandate and a banning proceeding has been initiated against the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the third largest party in the Turkish Parliament, and Turkey has withdrawn from the İstanbul Convention. 
The rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, e.g., the cases of the Human Rights defender, Mr. Osman Kavala and HDP co-president Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş in 2019, are still awaiting implementation, which is contrary to the statutes of the Council of Europe. 
The expansive foreign policy, contrary to international law, also continues. Turkey repeatedly attacks northern Syria and northern Iraq without any interferences from the international community or NATO. 
The EUTCC therefore consider it essential that effective measures are taken against Turkey. Democracy, the rule of law and international law are non-negotiable. Effective measures do not mean an end to dialogue, but it underlines the determination to defend the mentioned principles:A halt to all arm exports, a rethinking of the refugee agreement and the suspension of the Customs Union Agreement between Turkey and the European Union are important first steps. 
An important prerequisite for democracy in Turkey and peace in the Middle East – as always sought by Europe – is a political solution to the Kurdish question. A European Union initiative in this regard is therefore not only advisable, but necessary.
22 March 2021
Yours sincerely 
Prof. Dr. Kariane Westrheim On behalf of the EUTCC board

EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission